International Olympic Committee officials started a two-day inspection of Athens's preparations this morning in the first reality check since the new Greek government scrapped several Games projects.
Chief inspector Denis Oswald, who has repeatedly urged Athens organisers to pick up the pace of preparations, will meet government ministers to discuss progress less than five months before the troubled Games open.
"He will meet with several ministers today to see what has been achieved since the IOC's last meeting two weeks ago," an Athens Games official said.
During that meeting IOC president Jacques Rogge urged the newly-elected government to take "tough decisions" to assure venues and the infrastructure would be ready in time for the August 13th-29th Olympics.
In response, the conservative government that swept to power after 11 years of socialist rule abandoned plans to build a roof above the outdoor swimming pool, fearing its completion date was dangerously close to the Games' opening.
It also postponed a suburban train extension for the capital and trimmed back a revamp of the marathon route.
After wasting almost three years since winning the bid in 1997, organisers have in the past two years managed to get most of its construction projects on track for IOC deadlines.
Among the IOC's current concerns is the domed roof above the main Olympic stadium, that has yet to be completed.
The steel-glass roof, a design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is months behind schedule. Its construction may also hamper landscaping around the complex and block an athletics test event at the stadium.
While not an integral Olympic project, the arched roof is intended to provide a spectacular landmark for the Games.